It’s a somber day for book lovers everywhere.
Volumes Bookcafe, an independent bookstore and coffee shop that has been operating in Wicker Park for almost 10 years, is permanently closing in January.
The bookstore, located at 1373 N. Milwaukee Ave., announced the news earlier today on social media.
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Dearest Book Lovers,
It is with heavy heart that we have to announce that we will be closing our doors for good at the end of January 2026. Since the arrival of B&N just two blocks away, our sales have been down between 20-30% each month since they opened in October of last year. Our last holiday season was the worst in nine years. Our summer was the slowest on record, and this fall has been even worse.
For the last ten years we owners have often gone months without pay, dipping into our paltry retirement, savings, and adding second jobs on top of working six to seven days a week. We can no longer sustain this. Add to this great possibility of our health insurance premium doubling or tripling in the new year, we cannot continue.
Opened in March 2016 by sisters Rebecca and Kimberly George, this independent bookstore has made a significant impact on the community by regularly hosting book clubs, live author events, open mics, and participating in the annual Indie Bookstore Day.
You can still support Volumes by shopping there during the holiday season.